It must have been the new suit. A long black skirt, down almost to my ankles with a slit up the back to just above my knees, with an Eisenhower jacket accented by a braided black leather belt. Total ensemble cost: $55. Paired with my Hawaiian gold bracelet (one of the only pieces of jewelry I own, besides my wedding ring that looks expensive) and a maroon scarf, I looked pretty daggone professional. I even did my hair in a French twist.

And so, the attorney I interviewed with on Friday is going to take a chance on this unknown paralegal newcomer. I'll be interning there this coming quarter, and possibly into the next quarter as well. And then, after Labor day, still provided the intervening months go well, I will be working at his firm.

Now, this raises some interesting questions in my mind: Am I this desperate? Or do I truly think this is a good move? Let us ponder:

Desperate Votes: My unemployment extensions run out in June; he's the only lawyer who expressed interest in my resume; their office does not handle many employment law cases, which is what interests me; I had wanted to work for a larger firm as they offer more security (in my mind any how); the office is located in downtown Seattle, but not in an area of it with which I am familiar; I bought two suits for this one interview, damnit!

Good Move Votes: He's the only lawyer who expressed interest in my resume, therefore he's already interested in what I can do; their office is in a growth mode (they've hired two attorneys in the past five months); they handle contracts, which is what I am ultimately interested in; in a small law firm one has to learn everything as there are no niches; the office is in downtown Seattle on the other side of town from all the shops.

At any rate, this will be good experience for me, regardless of whether I stay or whether I leave. And since this is the first time in the last year that someone wanted me particularly for a job, other than work study, it's a confidence booster as well.